Galen Dale Olson of Weslaco, TX passed away after a courageous battle with a severe illness on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at the age of 76. One of 4 children, Galen was born on February 4, 1944, in Quinter, KS to Egla Esther (Steinle) Olson and Dale Wayne Olson.
He married Twila Mae Fabian on August 26, 1962 in the Presbyterian Church in WaKeeney, KS. They were married 57 years and blessed with 3 children. In Galen’s work life, he wore many hats. In his early years, he was a lineman for Central KS Power and a volunteer fireman. He served on City Council from 1994-1999. Galen owned and operated many businesses including Olson Electric, Metal Contracting and Manufacturing, and Olson Realty and Auction. In his years before retirement, he was actively involved in remodeling, selling, and building homes and followed in his father and grandfather’s footsteps as an auctioneer. Although he retired with his wife, Twila, to Weslaco, Texas in 2011, Galen was born and raised in Western Kansas and spent the majority of his life there. He was a member of the Ogallah Christian Church in Ogallah, KS and enjoyed his time with the church. Galen was a great storyteller. He had a big heart which he generously shared with his children and grandchildren. He was devoted to his church family and friends. When the flooding hit Texas in June of 2018, it was said that he was the first one to arrive and the last one to leave when helping his neighbors and friends in his retirement community.
His family was his greatest love and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Egla Olson; 2 sisters Myrtis Marie Olson, and Twila (MarJean) Denchfield; and 1 brother, Robert (Bob) Olson. He is survived by his wife, Twila of Weslaco, TX; daughters, Tamera Roe (Jeff) of Salina, KS, Lisa Reeder (Jim) of Springfield, MO; son, Wade Olson (Leann) of Salem, OR; 17 grandchildren Cole Roe of Manhattan, KS, Kyle Roe of Potsdam, Germany, Colin Roe (Jessica) of Hays, KS, Jordan Roe of Salina, KS, Lauren Saulnier (Tyler) of Round Rock, TX, Kelsie Immell of Pendleton, KY, Keegan Olson (Sam) of Denver, CO, Graydon Olson of Lawrence, KS, Korbyn Olson of Hays, KS, Ian Olson of Hays, KS, Ryan Reeder of Austin, TX, Chance Stewart (Jay) of League City, TX, Franchelle Reeder of Salina, KS, Jerris Reeder (Chad) of Omaha, NE, Luke Reeder of Great Bend, KS, Emily LaBarge of Hays, KS, and Maddie Long of Salem, OR; 8 great-grandchildren Joshua Roe of Potsdam, Germany, Brooklyn Roe and Brinley Roe of Hays, KS, Abigael Saulnier of Round Rock, TX, Aaliyah LaBarge of Hays, KS, Owen and Zaiden Waterman of League City, TX, and Krew Williams of Omaha, NE; his beloved dog Bailey of Weslaco, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Donations to the society may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS 67672.
A memorial service is set for 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at Ogallah Christian Church, Ogallah. Inurnment will follow in the WaKeeney City Cemetery.